Italien / Festival of Valle of Itria: Owen Wingrave from benjamin Britten,July 27,2025. Premiere.
This penultimate opera by Britten, composed between 1969 adn 1970, makes its Italian premiere at the renowned festival in Martina Franca. This production marks the second collaboration between Britten and librettist Myfanwy Piper, who previously provided the template for Britten’s 1954 opera, “The Turn of the Screw.” Amidst the escalating Vietnam War, the pacifist Britten, who had already made a clear statement with his “War Requiem,” aimed to create a work directly addressing England’s war-related traditions.
like his male ancestors, the aristocratic Owen Wingrave is destined for military training. However, Owen develops pacifist convictions, leading to conflict with his superior at the military academy, Sir Spencer Coyle. A family gathering is convened to address owen’s stance. his fiancée, the Coyles, and an aunt all oppose him. As punishment for his refusal to conform, Owen is confined for a night to a room in the family estate, rumored to be haunted by the ghost of an ancestor who killed his son for renouncing his heritage.Owen does not survive the night, found lifeless the following day.
Similar to its predecessor, the music is often dark, with Britten masterfully employing a sparse melodic landscape to create an atmosphere of profound unease, driving Owen into a state of extreme psychological stress. Uneasy, dissonant attacks and electronic soundscapes play a notable role. The two acts are performed by the Orchestra dell’Academia della Scala under the baton of the young and highly commendable conductor Daniel Cohen.
Among a high-caliber ensemble, Swiss singer Äneas Humm stands out as the title character. His baritone performance,long lauded,effectively conveys Owen’s struggle against his family.
The staging,directed by Andrea de Rosa,is set in a room featuring two free-standing staircases that gradually move towards each other. Instead of ancestral portraits, the room is adorned with personal targets, already shot by an extra boy during the intermission. The final confrontation with the conscientious objector is marked by striking imagery. In this production, however, the protagonist survives, and a children’s choir, reminiscent of the “War Requiem,” delivers his final pronouncement.
What are your thoughts on Britten’s powerful exploration of pacifism and tradition? Share your insights in the comments below, and subscribe to World Today news for more captivating opera reviews and cultural commentary!
